Soul Tracks

As the end of 2008 draws near, I have decided to share a couple of my favorite tracks, in no particular order, from the past twelve months. When it comes to soul music I'm a traditionalist. In other words, I'm an 'old soul.' I need that 'stick to your ribs' soul music. I got plenty of that in '08. Al Green's Lay It Down, classic Al with a new twist, gave me the soul fixin' I needed. Kicking things off is the Al Green and Corrine Bailey-Rae duet 'Take Your Time,' a song that was in heavy rotation around these parts. At the age of 62, Al proved he can still set the mood. Rev. Al's seductive falsetto complimented with whispers and animated cries created a a sweet sentimental song of pure surrender.

Payin' Homage

At any family function, you can rest assured someone is gonna throw on Al Green's classic 'Let's Stay Together.' Slowly, but surely, everyone is up snappin' their fingers and doing a little two step. For three minutes all your worries are a thing of the past as Al Green's seductive falsetto complimented with whispers and animated cries seep through the speakers. As the song draws to an end, someone is always overcome with emotion because Al Green has that effect on people. For over thirty years Al Green has sung us through the good or bad, and happy or sad. We've cried, contemplated relationships, made love and even found salvation in the music of Al Green. Upon the release of a new album, Lay It Down, it is only right that I pay homage to Al Green. Born Albert Greene in 1946, Al Green found fame with Memphis producer Willie Mitchell. Songs such as 'Let's Stay Together,' 'Tired of Being Alone,' and 'I'm Still In Love With You' turned Al Green into a soul sensation. As the 70's came to an end, Al Green was injured while performing on stage. He saw that as a sign from God to stop recording secular music. Eventually, Al would return to his musical roots and begin pastoring his own church in Memphis. Without a doubt, Al Green was born to sing the gospel. Success continued to follow Al Green as he recorded top gospel hits and received numerous Grammy Awards. Since 1985, Al has recorded 4 secular albums, Lay It Down is his latest release. The critically acclaimed album was released in May and includes production by ?uestlove of the Roots and features John Legend, Corrine Bailey-Rae, and Anthony Hamilton. Lay It Down, is considered by many to be one of the best albums of the year. Take a listen to two tracks, the smooth 'Stay With Me' featuring John Legend and the Green-Bailey Rae duet 'Take Your Time,' a sweet sentimental song of pure surrender.

Soul Fixin'

Take a behind the scenes look at the making of Al Green's new release Lay It Down.

Al Greens appears on the Late Show With David Letterman tonight. On June 24 at the BET Awards Rev. Green will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Jill Scott and others are expected to perform in his honor.

Soul Fixin'

AL GREEN LAYS IT DOWN
The Rev. Al Green, has recorded an album with production by James Poyser and ?uestlove of the Roots. John Legend, Anthony Hamilton, and Corrine Bailey Rae make guest appearances. Rolling Stone magazine describes the Green-Rae duet as "the supreme booty call music movement." Interesting...Al Green...Corrine Bailey Rae...booty call doesn't come to mind..but anyway.. The Dap-Horn Kings, guitarist Chalmers “Spanky” Alford (Mighty Clouds of Joy, Joss Stone) and bassist Adam Blackstone (Jill Scott, DJ Jazzy Jeff) also contributed to the project. Lay It Down began during a session at the Electric Lady Studio in Greenwich Village. "That was such a session. We sketched out eight songs and really started the project....Everybody contributed and that's why it feels so good. There were no big 'I's and little 'you's' in there. All of us dreamed it up together." said Al Green. Lay It Down draws on the high spirited funky sound created by Green and Memphis producer Willie Mitchell with a modern twist. The critically acclaimed album will be in stores May 27.

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